The “Big Six” of London and a Pub – 5.5 Hour Tour

Exploring London on Two Wheels: The “Big Six” of London and a Pub Tour Review

If you’re considering a way to see London’s highlights without slogging on foot or hopping on crowded buses, a bike tour might be just what you need. The “Big Six” of London and a Pub tour promises to cover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in just over five hours, all from the seat of a hybrid bike. We haven’t taken this tour ourselves, but based on the details and reviews, it looks like a practical, engaging way for travelers who want to blend sightseeing with a bit of exercise—and avoid the crowds.

One thing we really like is how this tour emphasizes efficiency without sacrificing depth. You’ll get to see a wide range of major sights—think Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London—and enjoy relaxed stops to take photos and ask questions. Plus, the small group size of eight or fewer makes for a more personalized experience, which is a big plus in our book. Another highlight is that all the bikes and helmets are provided, making it easy to just show up and go.

A potential consideration is that this tour covers a lot of ground in just 5.5 hours, so it requires a moderate level of fitness and comfort cycling in an urban environment. Also, since admission tickets to the attractions are not included, you’ll want to budget for those separately if you’re interested in going inside. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy being outdoors and seeing sights from a cyclist’s perspective. If that sounds like your style, this could be a memorable way to experience London’s most recognizable landmarks.

Key Points

• Small-group format creates a more intimate, relaxed experience.
• Efficient coverage of major landmarks in just over five hours.
• Bike and helmet provided for comfort and safety during the tour.
• Frequent stops allow for questions, photos, and short breaks.
• Suitable for moderate fitness levels; cycling approximately 25 km at a moderate pace.
• Includes iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Hyde Park, and more.

Why Choose a Bike Tour in London?

London can be a sprawling city, and trying to see it all on foot or via bus can be overwhelming or lead to long lines. This cycling tour offers a smart alternative—covering more ground in less time while keeping the experience active and engaging. Plus, being on a bike allows you to see the city from a different vantage point, weaving past parks, palaces, and bridges that you might miss from a vehicle.

The tour’s duration—about five and a half hours—strikes a good balance. It’s long enough to get a solid overview of the city but not so tiring that you’re ready to call it a day. The small group size also means you’re likely to get more personalized attention from your guide, who can tailor the experience, answer questions, and share stories about each landmark.

The Tour Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: St. Paul’s Cathedral

Your journey begins with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a marvel of architecture with a storied past. While the tour only stops for around 10 minutes, it’s enough to appreciate its grandeur and ask questions. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included, so if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase those separately. The guide might share some fascinating tidbits about its history and design, which adds context to the exterior views.

Stop 2: Buckingham Palace

Next, you’ll pedal towards Buckingham Palace, the symbolic heart of the monarchy. The guide will try to time the tour to coincide with the Changing of the Guard, which is always a popular sight. Expect a 15-minute stop where you can snap photos and soak in the atmosphere. Since tickets aren’t included, the focus remains on viewing from outside, but the guide’s insights make the moment special.

Stop 3: Westminster Abbey

A quick 10-minute stop at Westminster Abbey offers a chance to admire its façade and learn about its significance. This iconic church is the site of royal coronations and weddings, so even a brief glance sparks curiosity. Again, inside visits require separate tickets, but with the guide’s commentary, you’ll come away with a richer appreciation.

Stop 4: Palace of Westminster

The tour continues with Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament. The exterior view and the story behind this historic seat of government are the highlights here. Short stops like this allow for quick photos and questions, making it a practical way to cover political London without getting bogged down in detail.

Stop 5: Tower of London

Pedaling to the Tower of London rounds out the historic castles and palaces. The guide might share some of the infamous stories linked to this fortress, known for its history as a royal residence, treasury, and prison. The brief stop makes it easy to appreciate the structure and its significance in just 10 minutes.

Stop 6: Kensington Palace

Your route then takes you past Kensington Palace, another royal residence. While the exterior makes for a nice photo, the tour doesn’t include inside visits, so this stop is more about capturing the architecture and understanding its role in royal life.

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Next, you’ll enjoy a longer break at Hyde Park, a 15-minute pause to stretch and take in the greenery. The adjacent Kensington Gardens offers more natural beauty and calm amidst the busy city, perfect for photos and a breather.

Tower Bridge & The Monument

The final stops include Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognizable sights, and The Monument to the Great Fire of London, a short but significant historical site. These quick stops ensure you end the tour with a well-rounded sense of London’s history and architecture.

What the Tour Includes and What You Should Expect

Your ticket covers the guide, the use of a hybrid bike, and a helmet—meaning you can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about safety gear or equipment. The group size of eight or fewer keeps things personable, and the guide is local, likely full of interesting stories and tips.

Since food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring water, especially if the weather is warm. Also, dressing appropriately for the weather is key—comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for cycling are recommended. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so be prepared for rain or shine.

Starting at 129 Bayswater Rd at 10:00 am, the tour concludes back at the meeting point, making it convenient to plan the rest of your day. The confirmation comes instantly upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours beforehand, offering some peace of mind.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $68.62 per person, the cost seems reasonable considering it includes expert guidance, bike rental, and multiple major sights in a single morning. The price doesn’t cover attraction admission, but many of the sites are impressive just from the outside or can be visited later at your leisure.

People who love active sightseeing, enjoy cycling, and want a compact overview of London’s top attractions will find this tour very appealing. The small group size enhances the experience, and the focus on well-known landmarks ensures you’re getting a good sense of the city’s history and architecture.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers with moderate physical fitness will be most comfortable, as you’ll be cycling approximately 25 km at a relaxed pace. It’s suitable for anyone aged roughly 13 and over who can handle a bike comfortably. If you’re traveling with children or those less comfortable on a bike, this might not be the best fit unless they’re confident cyclists.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, rundown of London’s landmarks. For those with limited time, it maximizes sightseeing without the fatigue of walking all day. It also appeals to anyone who appreciates a more intimate, guided experience rather than a large bus tour.

Final Thoughts

This “Big Six” of London and a Pub Tour offers a practical way to see many of London’s most famous sights in just over five hours. The combination of expert guiding, small group intimacy, and the flexibility of cycling makes it appealing for active travelers who want to explore at their own pace. While it doesn’t include entry tickets to the attractions, that allows you to pick and choose which sites to explore inside later or simply enjoy from outside.

If you’re someone who values a mix of exercise, sightseeing, and storytelling, and if you’re comfortable on a bike, this tour could be a highlight of your London trip. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a personal touch and want to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

FAQs

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring water or snacks along, especially if the weather is warm or you plan to extend your sightseeing afterward.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
No, a hybrid bike and helmet are provided, so you just need to show up dressed comfortably.

Can I join if I’m not very fit?
The tour is designed for a moderate physical level, cycling about 25 km at a relaxed pace. If you’re comfortable riding a bike for that distance, you’ll be fine.

What if it rains?
The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine. Protective clothing is recommended if the weather looks uncertain.

How long does each stop last?
Stops typically range from 5 to 15 minutes, enough for photos, questions, and brief sightseeing. The majority are quick exterior views, with optional visits to attractions at your own expense later.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, it’s suitable for teenagers and older children who can handle moderate cycling. Younger children or those uncomfortable on bikes might find it challenging.

All in all, if you’re looking to tick off London’s landmarks efficiently while enjoying the outdoors, this small-group bike tour seems like a practical, enjoyable choice. Just remember to dress for the weather and bring your curiosity—your guide will do the rest.